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Morning Notes

Published September 17, 2013 at 9:15AM | Updated September 17, 2013 at 2:20PM

Ben’s Chili Bowl Coming to DCA — Just a week after announcing the opening of a new location in Rosslyn, the owners of the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl in D.C. say they’ll open a location at Reagan National Airport next year. It’s part of an effort by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to revamp the concessions offerings at local airports. Legal Sea Foods and Pinkberry will join Ben’s, along with a Spanx outlet. [Washington Post]

Panhandler Helps Solve Missing Dog Mystery — A long-time Arlington panhandler has helped a local woman solve the mystery of her missing dog. Laurie Nakamoto had searched for her missing dog, Ms. Winter, since July and it led her to Glen Hilbrand, who has staked out a median near the East Falls Church Metro for about 18 years. Hilbrand had seen Nakamoto’s deceased dog in the road, and removed it so cars wouldn’t continue to run over it. Nakamoto says it gave her a sense of closure to hear from Hilbrand what happened to her pet. Hilbrand attended the memorial service Nakamoto held for her dog. [Washington Post]

Doorways for Women and Families Raises $180,000 — At its 35th Anniversary Brighter Futures Breakfast last week, Doorways for Women and Families raised $180,000. Doorways helps local people affected by domestic violence and homelessness. Since opening its first emergency shelter in 1982, Doorways has provided shelter for more than 3,200 women, men and children.

Board Considering Time Limits on Tethering Dogs

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 16, 2013 at 1:30PM

The Arlington County Board is considering making tethering a dog for more than three hours illegal.

At its Sept. 21 meeting, the board will vote on whether to hold a public hearing on the issue on Oct. 19. Under the ordinance change, dogs would not be allowed to be tethered in a yard for more than three hours in a 24-hour period, or attached to a running cable or trolley system for more than 12 out of 24 hours.

County staff, in its recommendation, said that tethering dogs for an extended period of time “can put the animal’s health at risk if the animal cannot appropriately access food, water or shelter. Tethered animals can also develop aggressive behaviors as a result, which may endanger others.”

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington and its animal control officers support the proposal, according to the staff report. The ordinance would state that, if a dog is observed tethered once and then again three or more hours later, the presumption will be it has been tethered continuously for that period of time.

The proposal does state that the tethering is allowed if the owner is physically within reach of the dog or the dog isn’t tied to a “chain, rope or line of any kind that is too short to enable the dog easily to stand, sit, lie down, turn about, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal, and reach shade as necessary.”

Dogtober Day Returns Oct. 5

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 13, 2013 at 12:55PM

Arlington’s annual dog show, Dogtober Day, will return to Lacey Woods Park (1200 N. George Mason Drive) next month.

The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and will feature doggy competitions for: best kisser, most colorful pup, pet tricks, most adorable dog, best tail wagger, cutest costume, fastest pooch and Best in Show.

Ribbons and prizes will be awarded in each category. Best in Show will be determined by audience applause.

There will be also special games for dogs and their owners, plus stands for local vendors and organizations, such as the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Those interested in having their pet participate can print out a registration form, fill it out, and bring it on the day of the event.

Photo via Arlington County

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Published September 11, 2013 at 8:45AM | Updated September 11, 2013 at 9:51AM

Deputy Accused of Murder Again Denied Bond — Arlington County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Patterson, who is accused of murdering Julian Dawkins, has been denied bond for a third time. Patterson’s defense attorney argued that Dawkins may have been using and dealing drugs, and Dawkins’ previous dealings with police caused his confrontational nature the night of the incident. Patterson’s trial starts on December 9. [WUSA]

Home Sales, Prices Rise — The combination of higher sales and increasing average sales prices boosted Arlington’s total sales volume for August by 29.4 percent, to $173 million, compared to last year. The average price of all residential properties rose 8.1 percent to $594,479. Homes sold last month spent an average of 29 days on the market between listing and contract, compared with 50 days a year ago. [Sun Gazette]

Lost Dog/Stray Cat Profile — A Washington Post story profiles two of Arlington’s well known restaurants that help pets find homes — Lost Dog Cafe and Stray Cat Cafe. Co-founders Pam McAlwee and Ross Underwood describe how they started rescuing strays from shelters before the age of cell phones and the internet. Each year the duo, along with their 300 volunteers, helps around 1,800 dogs and 700 cats find homes. [Washington Post]

Flickr pool photo by maryva2

Dogs Now Welcome at 27 Arlington Restaurants

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 5, 2013 at 10:35AM

Arlington County has given the go-ahead to 27 restaurants and cafes to host dogs in outdoor dining areas.

The restaurants were approved for variance permits to allow dogs, in a program first announced in April, according to the county’s Public Health Division. Previously, it was against county code to allow pets to hang out in all restaurant dining areas.

“Public Health staff has worked closely with restaurants to ensure that the restaurants’ operating plans comply with all health and safety requirements, and staff will continue to work with restaurants on an ongoing basis,” the county said in a press release. It “is left to the restaurants with variances to decide which outdoor tables are reserved for patrons with dogs.”

Below is the list of restaurants approved for canine dining:

American Seafood
Arlington Capital View Renaissance & Residence Inn
Arlington Capital View Renaissance – Illy
Asia Bistro
California Pizza Kitchen
California Tortilla (Crystal City)
Chasin’ Tails
Elevation Burger
Faccia Luna
House of Steep
Jay’s Saloon & Grille
La Côte D’Or Café
Lyon Hall
Mexicali Blues Restaurant & Bar
Nando’s Peri Peri
Rappahannock Coffee
Rhodeside Grill
Rockland BBQ and Grill
Saigon Saigon
Samuel Beckett’s Irish Pub
Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant
Thai at Corner Restaurant
THAI Shirlington
The Green Turtle
The Liberty Tavern
William Jeffrey’s Tavern
World of Beer

(more…)

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published August 15, 2013 at 8:45AM

Single Family Home Prices Rise — The average sale price of a single family home in Arlington rose above $850,000 in July, to $853,572, a 5.1 percent increase from one year prior. Townhouse and condominium prices, meanwhile, dropped 0.6 and 3.3 percent respectively. [Sun Gazette]

‘Boot Camp’ for Dogs, Owners — An Arlington-based business, the Thank Dog Bootcamp, was featured on ABC7’s Good Morning Washington program. The bootcamps, which take place in Bluemont and Quincy parks, are for both dogs and their owners, offering “a grueling workout for you… and an obedience lesson for your dog.” [WJLA]

Feds, Va. Sue Over US Airways-American Merger — Virginia has joined a federal lawsuit to block the merger of US Airways and American Airlines. The merger would create the world’s largest airline, and would have implications for those flying out of Reagan National Airport. Together, US Airways and American hold 69 percent of terminal slots at DCA. [Washington Business Journal]

Photo courtesy Anthony Russo

Shirlington To Host Largest Wags n’ Whiskers Event To Date

By ARLnow.com

Published August 14, 2013 at 4:05PM

This article was written by Maddy Berner

Pet-centric vendors and their canine consumers will descend upon Shirlington for the 6th annual Wags n’ Whiskers event next weekend.

From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, animal-lovers will get a chance to peruse the corridors of Shirlington with their dog or feline friends. This year promises to be the largest event yet, with more than 50 vendors supplying pet-friendly products, activities and adoption opportunities — 60 percent more vendors than last year.

“The annual event celebrates the community’s pets and brings awareness to great animal services and non-profits,” said Jill Powell, senior marketing manager for Federal Realty Investment Trust, the company hosting the event. “The idea that a pet could find a new home because of the event is a great bonus of Wags N’ Whiskers.”

This year, 3,000 to 5,000 people are expected to attend. Wags n’ Whiskers is a family-oriented event that will include kid-friendly activities like face painting and balloon art. Other events include $5 pet photos, live entertainment, demonstrations and giveaways.

Among the businesses and organizations included in this year’s event: The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, NOVA Cat Clinic, Fur-get Me Not, Olde Towne Pet Resort and The Muddy Mutt.

Video: Paws to Read Program

By ARLnow.com

Published July 24, 2013 at 11:00AM

A dog can’t judge your reading skills or correct your pronunciation of words.

That’s the concept behind Paws to Read, a popular program at Arlington public libraries that allows children to read outloud to a non-judgemental canine companion.

The program began in 2011 after Ashlawn Elementary School teacher Cynthia Power pitched it to library staff as a way to encourage kids to read. It has since expanded to six library locations and has earned Power (and her dog, Humphrey) an Outstanding Volunteer Award.

The county’s Arlington TV channel produced the video, above, about the Paws to Read program.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published July 22, 2013 at 8:45AM | Updated July 22, 2013 at 1:43PM

County’s Debt Upgraded to ‘Stable’ — Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded the outlook on Arlington County’s debt from “negative” to “stable.” The county’s otherwise triple-A bond rating was downgraded in 2011 due to Arlington’s “lose economic, financial and capital markets linkages to the federal government.” The upgrade reflects the federal government’s improved debt outlook. [Arlington County]

Vandalism at Powhatan Springs Park — The skate park at Powhatan Springs Park was closed Friday and Saturday due to graffiti. The graffiti was “nothing serious,” said Department of Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Susan Kalish, but the park was closed while county crews removed it.

Dangerous Heat Prompts AWLA Rescues — The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has shared photos of four dogs it rescued in the recent heatwave. Among them are dogs left in hot cars, tied up in a parking lot and in cages in a backyard without adequate water. [Washington Post]

Flickr pool photo by Ddimick

Morning Poll: HOA President’s Dog Poop Proposal

By ARLnow.com

Published July 17, 2013 at 9:30AM

Last week, the website Deadspin took a break from sports coverage to post an email from the president of an Arlington homeowner’s association

Apparently the HOA president of the Westwind townhouse community near Ballston has had it up to here with dog owners not cleaning up after their pooches. After encountering a wayward turd on the sidewalk, the president, whose name was redacted, sent a letter to residents threatening action.

Specifically, the HOA president proposes installing surveillance cameras and, if that doesn’t lead to the guilty party, using DNA testing to match poops with pups.

… I will be proposing in the next Board meeting (July 31), a new rule that would require all dog owners to register their dogs’ DNA so that poops can be positively identified. This practice has now been adopted across the country by many homeowners’ associations who are tired of sending warnings to their residents with no effect.

In addition, the safety surveillance cameras I and other Westwind residents are planning to install on their front and back doors will help identify the offending dog owners.

Do you agree with the HOA president’s suggested course of action?

Photo via Google Maps

Arlington Pet of the Week: Truman

Published July 10, 2013 at 1:30PM

Our latest Arlington Pet of the Week is Truman, who has moved on up from his rescue roots to become the semi-official mascot of a congressional office.

Here’s what Kurt, who works in the office, said on behalf of owners Jeff and Veronica.

Meet Truman, a cocker spaniel South Carolina native who was adopted… on September 10, 2011 at the age of two from the Lucky Dog Animal Rescue here in Arlington.

Truman has developed quite the following on Capitol Hill where he serves as the Chief of Morale in a congressional office. He loves to edit memos and by editing we mean he tears them up. Truman is a master networker and enjoys bipartisan support from numerous offices who drop-by to visit him. His motto is “if you have a treat, you have a friend.”

Truman has become the king of his castle and every squirrel and rabbit in Arlington County knows his name. He is a true watch-dog spending most afternoons napping or sun-bathing. But don’t let the adorable face fool you, Truman has another side as numerous stuffed animals (such as his best friend Camel) and newly placed plants have found out.

The Arlington Pet of the Week is sponsored by Dogma Bakery, which has locations at The Village at Shirlington (2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive) and the Lee Harrison Shopping Center (2445 N. Harrison Street).

Want your pet to be considered to be the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and 3-4 photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a $25 Dogma gift card.